Floating Roof

Source: dailymail.co.uk

Umbrella Sky Project, Agueda in Portugal designed by Sextafeira Produgues

The sea of umbrellas brings a shower of colour over the town's narrow lanes and creates a beautiful scene - while also protecting passers-by from the baking sun.

While they appear to be floating magically in mid-air, the umbrellas are actually held up by string. -- Daily Mail

Source: John Linden archdaily.com

Pico Place, 430 Pico Boulevard, Santa Monica, California, USA, 2013 designed by Brooks + Scarpa Architects

The project provides a connection between the tall Sheraton hotel to the east and the beach to the west by placing the building volume on each side of the property and opening up the project’s center to create an enclosed, residential interior courtyard. Strips of fabric floating above the courtyard offer a variation in material and a sense of place while shading the courtyard and providing privacy from the hotel overlooking the building. -- ArchDaily

Source: Yang Chaoying archdaily.com

Guodian New Energy Technology Research Institute Beijing, Changping, Beijing, China, 2013 designed by BIAD 3A2 Studio

....enclosure courtyard layout formed by eight standardized research building and a conference center. Solar photovoltaic panels cover the roof as one of the building elements strengthen the effectiveness of collective enclosure. -- ArchDaily